Samsung workers call off month-long strike

Chennai: Workers affiliated to Samsung India Workers’ Union (SIWU) on Friday called off their 31-day long strike after the management of the Samsung India manufacturing unit near here agreed to reinstate them.

However, the suspension of 23 workers haven’t been revoked and the issue is likely to be discussed threadbare at a meeting to be held on March 12.

“We have withdrawn the strike after the Samsung Indian management acknowledged an e-mail sent on March 5 which said the workers are willing to resume work. We have decided to withdraw the strike and the employees will join work in batches as per a decision taken by Samsung,” CITU state chief A Soundararajan said.

Samsung said it will organise a training programme for the employees who participated in the strike batch-wise and the exercise will begin on Saturday.

“The training schedule of the individual shall be communicated through individual email. The workers who are kept under the Suspension Pending Enquiry shall undergo the Disciplinary Action Proceedings. Advising workers not to resort to any illegal activities in future,” a circular pasted outside the factory premises read.

This draws the curtains on the 31-day long strike by SIWU members against the suspension of their colleagues who according to the company apparently went against its policies. Samsung India factory in Sunguvarchatiram has been beset with problems since September 2024 following a row over non-registration of the Union.

The development will also come as a relief to over 40 factories in and around Sriperumbudur where the CITU has given a strike notice in support of the protest against Samsung.

Samsung agreed to reinstate the employees after they signed a form in which they acknowledged that they had participated in the strike, besides requesting the company to re-activate their access cards.

A spokesperson for Samsung India welcomed the workers' decision to call off the “illegal strike” and resume their duties at the Chennai plant.

“The company’s initiative to welcome back striking workers and its proactive engagement have facilitated their return, effectively ending the strike.

We remain committed to enforcing discipline in the premises and resolving outstanding issues directly with our workers to maintain a positive work environment,” the spokesperson added.

High drama preceded the withdrawal of strike after the striking employees blocked the road outside the factory along with CITU leaders. However, situation was brought under control within a few hours.

E Muthukumar, President, SIWU, said it was the victory of the employees that they have been reinstated without writing an apology letter. “Don’t worry about your jobs. They are safe. Just concentrate on your work. But please don’t sign any undertaking if sought by the management,” he told the workers.

The SIWU chief also said the issue of 23 suspended employees will be dealt with at the reconciliation meeting before the labour department, likely on March 12.